It’s funny how we can live half of our lives and develop bad habits that eventually catch up to us. We just go on about our day to day life, wondering why we don’t have as much energy as we once did, or why we are so often sick. In my case, it seems like I’ve been sick most of my life, going all the way back into my childhood. I was always coming down with illnesses, from Mono in the 3rd grade, to bronchitis every other year. I’ve had digestive problems since my teens, but was told that it was Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and since I was told there was nothing I could do about it… I suppose I just learned to live with it.

In recent years things have grown much tougher for me. At almost 53, I’m dealing with multiple health issues, so a day of feeling great is a rarity. I have made some positive steps to getting healthier…. working on eating a better diet and losing weight through exercise and portion control. I’ve been pretty proud of my progress in that regard, but still hope to lose more… that however is not the point of this blog.

I’ve just discovered that I have a condition called Celiac Sprue Disease, which means that I have 0 tolerance for wheat or anything containing wheat or gluten. It’s not just a food allergy, but an actual disease that can have devastating effects on one’s bodily systems. Not only does it have an impact on the digestion, but on overall health and the body’s ability to function. Prior to finding out that this has been my problem for many years, I had become so ill that I could barely function in my daily life, but the Lord sent someone…. a friend… and angel, really…. who had the medical training and knowledge to recognize my symptoms and consult with me long distance over the phone. Because of her concern for me, I now know how to get well.

I have already begun implementing the changes she suggested, and even before I have the official diagnosis from my own doctor (through a blood test I take this weekend) I have seen amazing changes in how I feel. Eliminating wheat and gluten is not easy to do, because it is in so many things… not just bread and pasta. I am educating myself about what I can and cannot eat, and along the way I have learned that there are other improvements I can make as well.

I have also decided to make a concerted change in other bad habits… such as, eliminating my daily cup of coffee, which I cannot drink without LOTS of sugar and cream. I may still have it when I’m out an about on the weekends, but it will not be part of my daily life. I am staying away from all sodas… unless it’s just an occasional soft drink when we eat out, and I am banning all artificial sweeteners from my diet as well. My beverage of choice is now green iced tea with no sugar or sweetener of any kind.

When I woke up this morning, I had the most amazing feeling in my body. For the first time in months, I felt good! I am hoping these changes will also mean more productivity where my writing is concerned. I have been limping along on the 2nd draft of Chanson, but it’s been in fits and starts…. just when I would feel a little more energy… I would get sick again. I am hoping now that my energy level will continue to increase. My doctor told me it may take several months before my new lifestyle really makes a difference, but with the changes I am seeing already, I am very excited about this next half of my life!

For info on this disease, visit the Celiac Foundation: http://www.celiac.org/

Paisley